What We Learned from a 4OT Thriller: St. Ignatius vs. Brecksville-Broadview Heights

<p>1. First things first, this game was a coach's nightmare. With each team's season on the line, hoping for a chance to play for the District Final, you have to make the simple plays. Knocking down Free Throws is one of those. Had each team shot a measly 68% from the line, the crowd gathered at Lakewood High School would not have been treated to an extra half of basketball (four 4:00 OT periods). Instead, St. Ignatius shot 17/36 (47.2%) while their opponent Brecksville-Broadview Heights went 13/23 (56.5%). So what did we learn here? Free Throws can and will win or lose you a game.</p> <p>2. Often times in big games such as this one, you see a team scrape and claw their way through a game until one difference maker puts on a cape and takes over. This game had the opposite feel for Brecksville. The Bees managed their way to only 6 first quarter points, all at the hands of Senior Wing <strong>Kenny Ganley</strong>. The 2nd Quarter saw a few more guys in red get in on the scoring action, but Brecksville went into the break trailing by 11 with Ganley responsible for 5 of the team's 6 first half Field Goals. In the second half, Ganley was able to focus more on facilitating while continuing to work the glass. The Youngstown State commit is a special talent at 6'4" and he showed great poise despite being knocked down repeatedly early by the Wildcats of St. Ignatius.</p> <p>3. 2020 Junior <strong>J.C. Sejba</strong> came alive in the 2nd Half and OT, knocking down 5 triples in that span, each one shocking a jolt of life into the Brecksville crowd that didn't have much to cheer for in the 1st Half. Teammate <strong>Tommy Barth </strong>(2021) got in on the action as well, hitting three more 3's in the latter parts of the game. Each bucket seemed to come at the exact right time as well, halting a St. Ignatius run that could have put the game away sooner. They had 17 points and 13 points, respectively.</p> <p>4. Senior Center <strong>Kevin Davet</strong> of St. Ignatius looked like he may be the problem Brecksville could not solve. Brecksville struggled rebounding early, and at 6'8", Davet was ready to take full advantage, collecting a number of offensive rebounds and giving the Wildcats a 2nd chance. Davet found his way into 12 points in this contest.</p> <p>5. <strong>Chase Toppin</strong> (2020 G) and his 30 points were the star of the show for St. Ignatius. Most offensive actions were run through or for him. Toppin cut really well off the ball, often finding the backdoor cuts or exploding through the gaps in Brecksville's defense and displaying his superb finishing ability at the rim.</p> <p>In a game of spurts, St. Ignatius looked to be the better team for much of the game. They simply could not put the game away by taking away Brecksville's shooters late (a couple of Brecksville's game changing 3's were uncontested) and not sinking late Free Throws that could have made a one possession game a two possession game or two possession a three possession game. Brecksville rebounded much better in the 2nd Half, limiting the clear size advantage St. Ignatius possessed.</p> <p>Brecksville-Broadview Heights will play St. Edward at 7 on Saturday at Lakewood High School. Those looking forward to a rubber match in the St. Edward-St. Ignatius Holy War will unfortunately have to wait until next season.</p>